Phimosis. Preputial plasty using transversal widening on the dorsal side with EMLA local anesthetic cream

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: In the United States, the treatment of choice for the correction of phimosis is circumcision, whereas in European countries, the condition is usually treated by preputial plasty using Duhamel's method or modified versions. We report our experience in correcting phimosis by preputial plasty using transversal widening on the dorsal side with EMLA local anesthetic cream. METHODS: Twenty-six patients with phimosis were operated on by preputial plasty, under local anesthesia with EMLA cream. A transversal incision is made on the dorsal side of the ring of prepuce, like 3 contiguous Ts, the middle one inverted with the long arm on the preputial mucosa side. The 2 small mucocutaneous flaps of the prepuce are separated and then sutured with interrupted stitches, thus transforming the incisions from T to V. RESULTS: No postoperative complications were observed. At 1-year follow-up, the cosmetic and functional results were satisfactory. CONCLUSIONS: The technique of preputial plasty that the authors present enlarges the stenotic ring of prepuce by a transversal widening on the dorsal side. The ring of prepuce obtained is wide and symmetrical on its dorsal and ventral sides and therefore cosmetically and functionally satisfactory. It is a good alternative to the more radical circumcision technique.